The MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is hoping the exclusion of his riding for broadband Internet funding from the province, was a simple oversight.
Monte McNaughton wrote a letter last week to Bob Chiarelli, the Minister of Infrastructure, expressing his concern.
“I was encouraged this week to learn of your ministry‘s plan to expand improved broadband internet accessibility to more rural communities,” McNaughton wrote.
“The availability of high speed electronic communication is vital to the sustainability and growth of every pan of the rural and small town economy; it is also essential as a learning tool at every stage of education.”
McNaughton said the proposed expansion of broadband Internet access excludes those residents of municipalities exceeding a population of 100,000 .
“Presumably this figure was chosen because most municipalities of that size would already have the type of Internet access your plan will provide,” McNaughton wrote.
“I would like to draw your attention to those of my constituents in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex that will not be able to benefit from your proposal. They are the residents of North Kent who live in the amalgamated municipality
of Chatham-Kent. Minister, I trust that this exclusion was an oversight and that it will be speedily rectified. My constituents and I await your early response.”
The governments of Ontario and Canada announced on July 26 they are investing up to $180 million to help bring ultra-high speed internet to homes and businesses in southwestern Ontario.
Canada and Ontario will each provide up to $90 million towards the total project cost of approximately $281 million.
This investment is part of the new Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project, which will expand access to broadband by delivering fibre optic coverage to over 300 communities with a total population of 3.5 million, spanning counties and municipalities in southwestern Ontario, as well as Caledon and Niagara.
Ontario officials say the project will help southwestern Ontario communities and businesses better compete in global markets, attract new jobs and improve quality of life.
It will also allow individuals to use online resources to gain skills and experience.
